Help us access the nursing care we need: Indiana Mom Annie Shares Her Voice with RTV6, and wih Lawmakers

Indiana families like the Goellers are struggling to access the in-home nursing care they need to keep their medically-complex children safe at home

Indiana moms are coming out to share their message with State
decisionmakers: “Help us access the nursing care we need!” Recently, RTV6—Indianapolis’s
ABC affiliate—aired coverage of mom Annie and her daughter Emma. Emma, and
more than 14,000 like her across the state, rely on skilled nursing to live safely
at home, but often struggle to access it. The State has until June 30 to make a
decision to help alleviate families’ struggles by increasing funding for state
programs that pay for in-home nursing coverage.

The issue lies in State funding for programs that allow
families like the Goellers to access the skilled in-home nursing they need.
Because nurses can make more money in hospitals, rehab centers, and other
facilities, nurses are more attracted to those settings rather than home care.
The constant turnover creates a revolving door of nurses. In the past six
years, Emma, who has cerebral palsy, has had dozens of different nurses. “I
would say probably at least 20 or 25,” said mom Annie.

Such turnover means that Emma doesn’t see reliable, consistent
nursing coverage, which puts her at risk. For many families, this also means
that shifts are missed and parents must bear the burden of providing care. Lack
of sleep, calling out of work, and being unable to care for other family
members are all unintended consequences that come from the lack of skilled
in-home nurses.

No child deserves to grow up in a hospital or facility, and
no parent deserves to be an untrained nurse for their child. When we unite our
voices in advocacy, we can make sure that our message is heard and that decision-makers
and key influencers are aware of the issues that they have the power to make changes
on. Contact advocacy@bayada.com to
learn about how you can share your story and make an impact today.